Pence: Don't abandon social issues

House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence is warning Republicans not to abandon social issues that have been so important to the religious right, even as his fellow House Republicans build an election-year agenda that focuses more on economic policy and government reform.

The Indiana Republican, speaking at the Family Research Council’s Values Voter Summit at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, heard cries of Pence for president and got a standing ovation when talking about defense policy. He struck a hopeful tone, despite saying that this country has a “mountain to climb.”

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“Those that have gone before in your life have climbed their mountain,” Pence said. “They stood for freedom; they stood in harm's way; they demanded a government as good as our people. Now it’s our turn. The time has come to take a stand.”

Pence, echoing a popular sentiment at the event, touched on one of the most vexing issues facing House Republicans: the inclusion of social issues in a governing agenda meant to propel the party into power. Some Republican leaders say their 2010 agenda should avoid culture war issues because they would distract from promoting job-creating measures. Pence fired back, saying Republicans can “can create jobs while protecting innocent human life.”

“We must not remain silent while great moral values are being waged,” he said.

Pence believes that faith in God and freedom will lead Republicans back to power.

If Republicans hold the “banner” of God and freedom high, “I believe with all my heart the good and great people in this land will rally to our cause; we will win this Congress back in 2010; and we will win this country back in 2012,” Pence said.

His speech was long on common Republican themes, like repealing the Democratic health care overhaul, ending bailouts, denying federal funding for abortion and bolstering "don't ask, don't tell."

On defense, Pence took a tough stance, accusing President Barack Obama of abandoning Israel. Pence said he was “appalled” by Obama’s criticism of controversial building in Jerusalem. He said Khalid Sheikh Mohammed should not be tried in civilian court.

Pence — who often says he’s a Christian first, then a conservative and then a Republican — is largely seen as having ambitions beyond the House. Indiana has a gubernatorial opening in 2012, and at 78, Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) could be nearing the twilight of his career, creating an opening for a Senate seat.

Among the Values Voter set, Pence is hugely popular. Contrasted with House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Pence is seen as the most conservative — socially and fiscally.

And as the House GOP readies its governing agenda, Pence has been pushing — somewhat unsuccessfully — for the inclusion of social issues. He spoke with dire certainty when talking about the peril his party faces if it doesn't include socially conservative tenets in its policies.

“Those who would have us ignore the battle being fought over life, marriage and religious liberty have forgotten the lessons of history," Pence said. "As in the days of a house divided, America’s darkest moments have come when economic arguments trumped moral principles.”